I’m an 18-year-old male currently in my first year of college. I’m going into my second semester. I wasn’t exactly sure what path I wanted to go towards, but I know I wanted to have a profession where I am helping people. I just took all gen-eds last semester so I can figure out what I would like to do. I thought about it and done research, and decided that I want to be a Registered Nurse. What I like about this profession is that I will be helping people, the schedule is very flexible, I can work in many different settings, I am able to advance in my career, good salary, etc. I told my mom about it, and she supports me 100%. When I told my dad he was like “You want to be a nurse?” He asked in a very nasty tone. “That’s for women.” I told my mom about it. I told her “It’s not just for women, there are tons of male nurses. I mean it is a woman-dominated profession, but it’s not just for women.” My mother said, “I know son”. My mother called my dad into the room to tell him, “That’s not right. Don’t downplay the profession and what he wants to do.” I proceeded to tell my dad, “Many people still see nursing as a woman-dominated profession, but it’s not just for women. More and more men are getting into this field.” My father kind of just laughed and walked out the room. It’s upsetting that he doesn’t support my career choice and that he thinks it’s for women. I want his support. I mean as long as I’m happy and satisfied with my decision, that’s all that matters right? Can you guys give me any advice on this?
Perfect timing as look at this GREAT article in yesterday’s Times …tell your dad to read this https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/01/04/upshot/male-nurses.html?_r=0
Great that you want to be a nurse. Go for it!!
Don’t let your dad’s bias dissuade you. Nursing is a great profession for either gender. If you feel called to do it, go for it!
It’s a great career choice, with good pay, and good demand (and can’t be outsourced!). If part of your parents’ goal for you is to be self-supporting, this is a good way to get there.
I was helped by a male nurse during a recent emergency room visit. I think that it is a solid profession and well worth pursuing for anyone who wants to do it.
This is about him, not about you. He won’t be the first narrow-minded person to think that, and he won’t be the last. All that aside? What a fabulous career match. You’ll be able to work virtually anywhere, the pay is excellent although the work is exhausting and demanding. all you can hope for is that as he sees how content you are, and sees your success, he’ll come around. It’s a great career choice.
Change the channel. Start referring to your interests as “health care, possibly in a hospital setting” and leave it at that.
You might decide to become a Physician’s Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Therapist, or any of a dozen fine careers. You are a freshman. If nursing appeals to you- start there. You don’t have to decide what you’ll be doing at age 35 right now.
Go watch the “Meet the Parents” series of films. Have a laugh. 
I wouldn’t worry too much about dad. He’ll figure it out sooner or later. Heck when I first started reading your post I thought “oh no” figuring you chose vagrant or beech bum as a career. You’ll be alright. Only thing I would suggest is keep as many options open with your undergrad as you may want to change at some point – either sooner or later. Good luck.
Great career and they need more men.
Tell that to my brother-in-law who is a CRNA (RN with a masters degree—nurse anesthetist) who makes BANK (towards $200-300K per year)!
Nursing is an amazing and flexible career with so much flexibility in role, $$, hours worked and growth. Don’t worry about seeking approval from your Dad. Is he threatening to withhold support?
I agree with all the above answers! My S is heading to college next Fall to become a nurse. So many people we talk with tell us they wish their sons would do the same. The hours are flexible, pay is great and the opportunities are numerous. He is looking at becoming a DNP eventually with hopes of teaching at a University and especially doing research. He wants a family someday and what better way to support a family and have hours that can work around children’s schedules. Good luck you will not regret it.
I can’t help with the parental stuff, but I think that will sort itself out once you are established in your career and living independently. But I do have some thoughts about the practical stuff. You will be taking a lot of basic science. Do you enjoy this and are you good at it? How easy is it to get into the nursing program at your school? Most require a separate application. Or will you need to transfer to another school? This is doable (my SIL did it years ago), but it does require dedication, flexibility (your degree may take longer to earn) and planning. Get an adviser to help you with these things ASAP, and best of luck to you!
The nursing program at my school is competitive to get into. I believe they base on your Prerequisite GPA, Overall GPA, and TEAS Test score. The prerequisites for the program include Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Inorganic Chemistry, Basic English, Basic Biology, Intro to Psych, Developmental Psych, Anthropology or Sociology, and Algebra or Statistics. I’ve taken Basic Biology, Basic English, and Sociology last semester. I received an A- in Basic Biology, and an A in Basic English and Sociology. I received an A in two of my other classes as well last semester. These classes counted as gen-eds as well. So far I am doing very well. This semester I plan on taking Microbiology, Developmental Psych, Statistics, and Anatomy to finish all my pre-reqs. I just have to buckle down and ace these classes as well this semester in addition to studying for the TEAS Test. At the end of this semester I plan on taking the TEAS Test. Once I get my results back,I will apply for my school’s nursing program, so I can start my sophomore year. The program is three years.
I have no advice but as someone who spends a lot of time in hospitals (so around nurses), I can tell you that good nurses are critical. I’d much rather have a nurse who really wants to be in that profession than someone who was shepherded in because that was their only (or one of their only) option.
Good heavens there are many male nurses these days. Some military medics go into nursing. Maybe that will help. My primary care nurse practitioner is a guy. ER’s have a lot of men working as nurses. Your father is very behind the times, which makes it difficult for you. Maybe a third party could educate him. Please go for it!
And tell him they don’t wear the little hats and skirts anymore either. 
Agree with what others say, and would just add: give him some time. People do change, but they need a little time to adjust to things.
- Will your parents still pay for school?
If yes, then send him that article mentioned above. Tell him you have a job that pays well, is flexible if you want to move, and you can get a job in.
If no, then ask him why he doesn’t support a pre-professional major.
Also has he been to the hospital lately? RNs really are the ones over seeing your care. Yes, doctors swoop in and give the orders, but the RNs are the ones that make sure it is carried out.